For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Butanediol Price Index (FOB US Gulf) fell by 4.4% in the course of Q2 2025, descending from USD 2,700/tonne in April ringing in at USD 2,580/tonne in June, attributed to sluggish domestic consumption and balanced inventories on merchant channels.
• Why did the price of Butanediol change in July 2025?
In July 2025, Butanediol prices declined further as industrial and automotive sectors failed to offer meaningful offtake, even as feedstock costs like Butadiene showed limited upward momentum. The overall market sentiment was weak with downstream restocking deferred.
• Butanediol Spot Price levels stayed under pressure due to contract-heavy supply chains and limited discretionary buying, especially in the adhesive and engineered plastics segments.
• There were no major logistics or freight-related disruptions reported in Q2 2025 from U.S. Gulf ports, keeping FOB US Gulf shipments consistent despite subdued activity.
• The Butanediol Demand Outlook for Q3 remains weak, with no clear rebound in core consuming industries. Specialty chemical buyers remain cautious amid inflation-driven budgeting slowdowns.
• The Butanediol Production Cost Trend was mostly steady due to stable natural gas prices and minimal fluctuation in crude-linked intermediates. However, margin compression was evident as downstream prices weakened faster than input costs.
• Butanediol Price Forecast: Q3 2025 prices are expected to remain soft or edge down slightly unless export interest improves from Latin America or Europe.
Europe
• The Butanediol Price Index (FD Northwest Europe) rose gradually during Q2 2025, peaking at around USD 2,780/tonne, posting a +3.7% quarter-over-quarter gain.
• Why did the price of Butanediol change in July 2025?
The July price increase was driven by tight supply availability due to turnarounds at central European facilities, even as downstream demand remained stable to slightly weak across automotive polymers and specialty coatings.
• Inventory levels in Western Europe were low as producers prioritized key contract customers. The Netherlands saw a sharper increase due to localized stock depletion and delayed imports from Asia.
• Butanediol Demand Outlook for Q3 2025 is mixed. Automotive sector remains weak amid tepid vehicle production, but pharmaceuticals and 3D printing resins offer upside.
• The Butanediol Production Cost Trend remained under slight pressure as utilities costs increased in June, though feedstock volatility was minimal.
• Regulatory tightening on chemical storage and environmental compliance also led to increased handling costs.
• Butanediol Price Forecast for Q3: A sideways-to-slightly soft trend is expected unless new downstream demand from construction coatings materializes.
APAC
• The Butanediol Price Index (FOB South Korea) dropped in Q2 2025, averaging USD 2,480/tonne, a -4.2% decline from Q1 2025.
• Why did the price of Butanediol change in July 2025?
The July decline was primarily due to weak regional demand and rising oversupply risks, especially from Chinese and Southeast Asian producers offering at aggressive price points.
• Butanediol Spot Price came under pressure as large-volume spot parcels from China flooded Southeast Asia, forcing South Korean sellers to cut offers for export competitiveness.
• Demand fluctuations in the polyurethane and spandex sectors added to market uncertainty, while Indian buyers remained conservative on new bookings.
• The Butanediol Production Cost Trend declined mildly due to softened feedstock prices (maleic anhydride), though capacity utilization remained high among Korean producers.
• Supply chain stability was maintained, but price competition intensified, squeezing profitability.
• Butanediol Demand Outlook for Q3 2025: Cautious, with potential improvement only if Chinese domestic consumption stabilizes or restocking emerges in India and Vietnam.
• Butanediol Price Forecast: The trend is expected to remain under downward pressure, though any shutdowns or capacity cutbacks could provide a floor.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
The Butanediol (BDO) market in North America experienced a mixed price trend during Q1 2025. January began with stable pricing, driven by balanced supply and demand dynamics. Demand from key sectors like polyurethane (PU) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) was moderate, and stable raw material costs for butadiene and propylene helped maintain price consistency.
In February, BDO prices saw a slight increase due to rising demand and ongoing supply-side challenges, including reduced production rates and logistical issues. March witnessed a more significant price surge of 1.7%, fueled by stronger demand, especially from the PU resin sector, and persistent supply constraints, such as port congestion and shifting tariff policies.
Despite these challenges, manufacturing conditions remained steady with sufficient production capacity, though occasional production issues and tight inventory levels contributed to price volatility. Throughout Q1, the BDO market was supported by stable raw material costs and consistent demand from downstream industries. By March’s end, BDO prices were assessed at USD 1780/MT. Compared to Q4 2024, Q1 2025 showed a steadier price trend, with moderate fluctuations rather than significant increases.
APAC
During Q1 2025, the Butanediol (BDO) market in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in South Korea, experienced a largely stable-to-soft price trend amid tepid demand and elevated competition. The quarter opened with prices at USD 1083/MT in early January, but a persistent post-holiday slowdown in downstream industries such as polyurethane (PU), PTMEG, and THF, alongside intensified competition and a buildup of inventories, drove prices down by month-end. February maintained this subdued tone with prices largely steady, as a balanced supply-demand dynamic and cautious buyer sentiment prevented any significant fluctuations. Although operational stability was upheld across production facilities, uncertainties surrounding global trade and logistics, including Red Sea route disruptions, limited market activity.
March saw further bearish pressure in the first half due to weak procurement from key sectors and oversupply from Chinese imports, bottoming out at USD 1052/MT. However, a modest demand rebound from the PU resin sector toward the end of March helped lift prices slightly. Compared to Q4 2024, where prices declined from higher post-inventory-replenishment levels, Q1 2025 reflected a flatter, more cautious market sentiment driven by prolonged demand recovery and heightened regional competition.
Europe
During Q1 2025, the European Butanediol (BDO) market exhibited a mildly volatile yet overall stable pricing trend, driven by alternating phases of demand fluctuations and supply chain pressures. In January, prices began on a stable note, supported by consistent demand from the PU Resin and THF sectors, despite weak consumer sentiment and modest industrial activity. As the month progressed, mild supply surpluses and inventory adjustments pushed prices slightly downward before rebounding to USD 1640/MT by month-end due to a pickup in downstream demand.
February saw relatively firm pricing, as robust demand from PU resin and THF industries, coupled with tighter inventories and sporadic supply issues, created moderate upward pressure. March opened with further price strengthening, propelled by heightened PU resin consumption in furniture and construction. However, by quarter-end, prices declined, driven by subdued PU resin demand, inventory corrections, and persistent logistical disruptions.
This trend was consistent across Europe, with balanced supply-demand dynamics, raw material stability, and downstream sector performance shaping the regional market in a similar manner throughout Q1 2025.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The North American Butanediol (BDO) market demonstrated an inclining price trend throughout Q4 2024, supported by robust demand and market dynamics. Strong downstream consumption from sectors like polyurethane (PU), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and tetrahydrofuran (THF), along with inventory replenishment efforts after destocking phases, significantly contributed to price increases during the first half of the quarter. Supply-side challenges, such as logistical disruptions due to port congestion and labor strikes, further bolstered price levels. Rising raw material and energy costs also elevated production expenses, adding upward pressure to prices.
By late November, logistics began stabilizing, and supply chains operated more efficiently. However, demand moderated slightly in December due to seasonal slowdowns and cautious purchasing behavior from downstream industries. Despite these late-quarter adjustments, consistent demand from key sectors and economic resilience helped maintain the overall upward price trajectory. BDO prices in North America closed Q4 at a higher level compared to the start of the quarter, reflecting strong market fundamentals and heightened production and logistical costs earlier in the period.
The quarter-on-quarter change of -4% highlights a significant rebound in prices within a short timeframe. As Q4 draws to a close, the latest price stands at USD 1774/MT for 1,4 Butanediol DEL Texas in the USA, signaling a strong upward trajectory in pricing trends.
APAC
The Butanediol (BDO) market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region exhibited a mixed trend during Q4 2024, with an incline in the first half followed by a decline in the latter half. Early in the quarter, prices increased due to robust demand from downstream industries such as polyurethane (PU), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and tetrahydrofuran (THF). This surge was driven by inventory replenishment efforts post-destocking and heightened production activity ahead of the Lunar New Year. Temporary supply constraints, including planned maintenance shutdowns, added to the upward pressure on prices. Logistical challenges, such as port congestion and equipment shortages, further complicated supply chain dynamics, supporting price increases.
However, the trend shifted in the second half of the quarter, as seasonal slowdowns in industrial activity and reduced consumption in key sectors, including construction and automotive, dampened demand. Additionally, increased production capacity and stable raw material availability led to market oversupply, driving prices downward. These factors, combined with economic uncertainties and cautious purchasing behavior.
China witnessed the most significant price changes, with a quarter-on-quarter decline of 4% recorded for 2024. Thus, resulted in a decline in BDO prices by the end of Q4 2024, closing at USD 1114/MT FOB Qingdao.
Europe
During Q4 2024, the Butanediol (BDO) market in Germany demonstrated distinct price trends. In the first half of the quarter, prices remained stable, supported by balanced supply-demand dynamics and steady downstream activity from industries such as polyurethane (PU) and tetrahydrofuran (THF). Consistent domestic production levels and effective inventory management by both producers and distributors contributed to this stability. Despite external pressures, such as fluctuations in crude oil prices and ongoing port congestion, market equilibrium was maintained.
However, as the quarter progressed, prices began to decline due to a combination of seasonal factors and economic challenges. A slowdown in downstream industries, including automotive and construction, coupled with reduced activity in sectors like spandex and polyurethane resins, weakened overall demand. The rise in domestic production capacities and inventory adjustments further contributed to a market surplus, amplifying downward pressure on prices. Persistent port congestion in Northern Europe, particularly in Hamburg, led to logistical delays, exacerbating supply chain inefficiencies. By the end of the quarter, the German BDO market faced declining prices driven by reduced demand, increased supply, and broader economic concerns.
Germany, experiencing the no major fluctuations, saw 0% change from the previous quarter in 2024. The quarter-ending price for 1,4-Butanediol FD Karlsruhe in Germany was USD 1658/MT. Overall, Q4 2024 witnessed a steady decline in BDO prices in Germany, reflecting reduced demand, oversupply, and broader economic challenges.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, Butanediol pricing in North America experienced a mixed trend. The first half of the quarter saw a notable increase, with the USA showcasing the most significant price changes. This uptrend was influenced by robust demand from key industries like polyurethane, PBT, and spandex, which outpaced supply levels. Additionally, supply constraints due to technical issues, maintenance shutdowns, and rising feedstock costs elevated production costs, pushing prices higher. The market displayed a positive correlation between demand spikes and price hikes, supported by stable input costs and export demands to various markets.
In the second half of the quarter, however, Butanediol (BDO) prices declined due to several key factors. A seasonal slowdown in demand from downstream industries, particularly PTMEG and PBT, significantly impacted consumption. Increased domestic production, driven by improved plant efficiencies, created a market surplus, while inventory adjustments by producers and distributors added to the supply. Furthermore, port congestion stemming from a potential strike at East Coast ports heightened shipping delays, disrupting logistics and adding to market uncertainty. This combination of factors reinforced the downward pressure on BDO prices during this period.
The quarter-on-quarter change of -7% highlights a significant rebound in prices within a short timeframe. As Q3 draws to a close, the latest price stands at USD 1670/MT for 1,4 Butanediol DEL Texas in the USA, signaling a strong upward trajectory in pricing trends.
APAC
Throughout the 3rd quarter of 2024, the APAC region experienced a notable decline in Butanediol prices, primarily influenced by several significant factors. Seasonal variations and a slight economic slowdown contributed to reduced prices. However, consistent demand from downstream industries such as Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate, tetrahydrofuran, Polyurethane resin, and spandex led to a high production and supply. This surplus, coupled with increased domestic production and inventory adjustments, exerted downward pressure on prices. Additionally, declining feedstock prices, stable production costs, and cautious purchasing behavior further contributed to the price decrease. China witnessed the most significant price changes, with a quarter-on-quarter decline of 4% recorded for 2024, and a notable 7% difference between the first and second halves of the quarter. This downward trend culminated in a quarter-ending price of USD 1012/MT for 1,4 Butanediol Ex-Qingdao in China. The overall trend reflected a negative pricing environment characterized by stability in production costs and a surplus in supply, resulting in a continuous decline in Butanediol prices.
Europe
Throughout Q3 2024, the European Butanediol market experienced stable prices, with Germany witnessing the most significant fluctuations. Weakening demand in sectors such as construction, paints, and coatings, coupled with a slowing economy, exerted downward pressure on prices. However, stable demand from segments like tetrahydrofuran (THF) production, PBT, polyurethane (PU) resin, and spandex mitigated these declines. Additionally, a stable global BDO supply contributed to overall price stability.
The market faced challenges from port congestion, exacerbated by recent strikes and longer transit times from the Red Sea, but these disruptions were somewhat alleviated by a slight easing of congestion. Overall, adequate inventory levels and a stable economic environment supported consistent pricing throughout the quarter.
Germany, experiencing the most fluctuations, saw a -12% change from the previous quarter in 2024. The quarter-ending price for 1,4-Butanediol DDP Frankfurt in Germany was USD 1664/MT. Overall, the pricing environment for Butanediol in quarter 3 2024 remained consistently stable, focusing on maintaining competitiveness in a fluctuating market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the current price of Butanediol in Q2 2025?
As of end-June 2025, FOB USA averaged USD 2,720/tonne, FD NWE around USD 2,780/tonne, and FOB South Korea at USD 2,480/tonne.
2. Who are the top Butanediol producers in the United States?
Leading producers include BASF Corporation, Ashland, and LyondellBasell, with production clusters along the Gulf Coast.
3. Why are Butanediol prices lower in Asia compared to Europe and the US?
Asia faces oversupply conditions, aggressive pricing from China, and weaker downstream demand, which collectively weigh on prices.
4. What are the main applications driving Butanediol demand in Q3 2025?
Key applications include pharmaceutical intermediates, engineering plastics, coatings, and spandex production (in Asia).
